Howell's School, Llandaff

Howell's School, Llandaff Howell’s School, Llandaff GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18 and boys aged 16 to 18 in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales.

Howell's School is part of the GDST (Girls’ Day School Trust). The GDST is the leading network of independent girls’ schools in the UK, with nearly 4,000 staff, and 20,000 students between the ages of three and 18. As a charity that owns and runs a network of 24 schools and two academies in England and Wales, it reinvests all its income in its schools. Howell's School, located at Llandaff, in Card

iff, caters for girls aged 3 -18 and for boys aged 16 -18. It has a longstanding reputation for academic excellence as the foremost girls' school in Wales. It provides tremendous "value added" in terms of public examination results, which are consistently higher than predicted in independent assessments. Since 2005, boys have been admitted to the Sixth Form College. Founded in 1860, the school is housed in the original buildings of great character as well as more modern extensions and nearby buildings such as Roald Dahl's childhood home. The Junior and Senior School are on the same site but are self-contained entities, though the Junior School benefits from the facilities of the Senior School, including the indoor swimming pool. A friendly and purposeful atmosphere pervades the school, which keeps abreast of modern educational developments. The facilities are outstanding, as is the extensive programme of extracurricular activities. Students are encouraged to excel in any area in which they show interest or talent, not purely the academic. Links with overseas schools, superb I.T. facilities, great environmental awareness (the school has gained Fair Trade status) and a wide variety of language provision all serve to create tomorrow's global citizens. The school encourages independence of thought and provides a confidence-building environment. There is a strong emphasis on pastoral care. The Careers Department has attained the CareersWales Award for the quality of its guidance.

Last night, we celebrated the Class of 2026 at our Prizegiving evening, recognising their academic achievements, their s...
04/09/2026

Last night, we celebrated the Class of 2026 at our Prizegiving evening, recognising their academic achievements, their student leadership and their commitment to music, drama, sport, debating and service.

We were joined by Philip Lawford, Master of the Drapers’ Company, who presented prizes to this year’s Drapers’ Scholars. Our school’s founder, Thomas Howell, left the bulk of his estate in trust to the Drapers’ Company. We are extremely grateful to the Drapers’ Company which continues to provide generous support to Howell’s.

Our guest speaker was Hywelian and composer Katie Jenkins, who joined us fresh from Washington DC, where her new symphony, Symffoni’r Môr Mawr was gifted to the Library of Congress. The orchestral work was commissioned by the Welsh Government to mark 250 years since the United States declared independence and celebrate the historic connection between Wales and the USA.

She talked to students about her journey from Howell’s to The Juilliard School in New York, and then to an international career in music. She encouraged the Class of 2026 to look forward with courage, resilience, collaboration and kindness.

Katie ended with a powerful message that their music is a story waiting to be written, one note at a time.

Are you looking for a friendly baby and toddler group this autumn? Stay + Smile returns to Howell's on Tuesday 15th Sept...
01/09/2026

Are you looking for a friendly baby and toddler group this autumn?

Stay + Smile returns to Howell's on Tuesday 15th September, and this term we have space to welcome some new faces.

Alongside a variety of engaging indoor and outdoor activities and toys, parents and carers can enjoy a cup of tea, a chat and the chance to connect with other local families.

Tuesdays | 9.15am - 10.30am
Howell's School, Llandaff – The Hub
£96 per family for 12 sessions (£8 per session)
Ample free parking on site

Not sure if it's for you? You can join us for trial session before committing to the term.

📞 For more information and to book your place, please contact Hannah Roberts on 029 2026 1825 or email [email protected].

We can't wait to meet you and your little one this autumn!

It’s National Dog Day, a very special day for our beloved Director of Pawsitivity, Disney.To mark the occasion, here are...
26/08/2026

It’s National Dog Day, a very special day for our beloved Director of Pawsitivity, Disney.

To mark the occasion, here are five of Disney’s favourite things:

1. Trips to the beach ☀️ 🌊
2. Snoozing in the corridor outside Mrs Beynon’s room 💤
3. Chasing squirrels in Llandaff Fields 🐿️
4. Small, calm and friendly dogs 🐶 (no jumping please!)
5. Head scratches from visitors to our school. ❤️

Happy National Dog Day, Disney!!

A week on from A level results day, our Class of 2026 have been busy booking university accommodation, making packing li...
21/08/2026

A week on from A level results day, our Class of 2026 have been busy booking university accommodation, making packing lists and getting ready for their next big adventures.

They have been a truly fantastic year group: hard working, ambitious and so much fun.

We can’t wait to see what they do next.

20/08/2026

Our Year 11 Class of 2026 arrived in school bright and early to collect their GCSE results this morning, and once the envelopes were opened, there were smiles all round.
This year’s cohort has achieved an outstanding set of results, with 62% of all grades achieved at A*-A/9-7.

Across a wide range of subjects, students achieved excellent outcomes. Particularly noteworthy successes include Music, where 80% of grades were awarded at 8 or 9, Mathematics, where 64% of grades achieved were A*-A, and Chemistry, where 63% of students attained grades 9-8. Our students also excelled in Physical Education, with 95% achieving A*-A grades.

These results highlight not only academic achievement but also the breadth of talent, commitment and ambition demonstrated by students throughout their time at Howell’s.

A level Results Day 2026 Highlights ✨ 65% A*–A ✨ 86% A*–BToday we celebrate our incredible students — not just for their...
13/08/2026

A level Results Day 2026 Highlights

✨ 65% A*–A ✨ 86% A*–B

Today we celebrate our incredible students — not just for their results, but for the curiosity, determination and individuality they’ve shown throughout their time with us. These grades are the culmination of years of hard work… and the beginning of their next chapters.

From STEM trailblazers to global explorers, elite athletes to creative innovators, our students are heading to an extraordinary range of destinations — each one chosen to match their passions and ambitions — including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Durham, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Manchester.

Every student has followed their own individual pathway, and we couldn’t be prouder of who they’ve become and where they’re heading next.

Here’s to their futures — bold, bright and uniquely theirs.

We are delighted to share that Hywelian Dr Gabriella Howell MBE has been shortlisted for the GDST Alumna of the Year Awa...
11/08/2026

We are delighted to share that Hywelian Dr Gabriella Howell MBE has been shortlisted for the GDST Alumna of the Year Award!

As Director of Historic Preservation for the Heritage Trust in Antigua and Barbuda, Gabriella has dedicated her career to protecting and restoring important historic sites, ensuring the nation's cultural heritage is preserved for generations to come.

Her exceptional work has strengthened local communities, increased understanding of Caribbean heritage, and earned her national recognition with an MBE in the King's New Year Honours.

Gabriella said: "Being part of the GDST community is fantastic - meeting women who are from other GDST schools and having an immediate and automatic connection being one of the best parts.

"What I have been working on in Antigua and Barbuda, and the wider Commonwealth, is all about creating opportunities, and sharing information and education - three pillars that I align closely with Howell's School and the wider GDST."

Gabriella's achievements are a testament to the power of passion, expertise and public service, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognised by the GDST.

Please support Gabriella by casting your vote today: https://www.gdst.net/alumna-of-the-year/

Voting closes at 9.00am on Friday 25th September.

Congratulations, Gabriella, from all your fellow Hywelians and everyone at Howell's School!

We're delighted to share some exciting news about one of our alumni, Katie Jenkins.Katie, an award-winning composer now ...
30/07/2026

We're delighted to share some exciting news about one of our alumni, Katie Jenkins.

Katie, an award-winning composer now based in New York, has been commissioned by the Welsh Government to compose Symffoni’r Môr Mawr – A Transatlantic Symphony, a special work marking the United States' 250th anniversary.

The 15-minute orchestral piece celebrates the rich and enduring relationship between Wales and the United States, telling a story of migration, shared culture and friendship across the Atlantic. It will be presented to the American people as part of the USA250 commemorations and officially showcased at the Library of Congress in Washington DC this September.

Featuring world-class performers including Hywelian and National Poet of Wales Hanan Issa, Sir Bryn Terfel, Grammy Award-winning pianist Chloe Flower, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and acclaimed soprano Ellen Williams, the project highlights Welsh creativity on a global stage.

We're especially proud that Katie will also be returning to Howell's as our Prizegiving speaker next term, where she'll share her inspiring journey with our Class of 2026.

Llongyfarchiadau, Katie, on this incredible achievement. We look forward to welcoming you back and celebrating your continued success.

Our Admissions Office is open over the summer. Whether you would like to speak to us about a place at Howell’s or would ...
30/07/2026

Our Admissions Office is open over the summer.

Whether you would like to speak to us about a place at Howell’s or would like to tour the school, we are here to help.

Drop us an email at [email protected], and we’ll come back to you.

Address

Howell's School
Cardiff
CF52YD

Telephone

+442920562019

Website

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